Serious constipation, tortuous colon, diverticulosis: How to defecate?

Ask to have an anorectal motivity test to see if the sphincter muscles and nerves are working correctly and also see a column surgeon versus a basic g I doctor. That was very helpful for me. I have a torturous colon plus I had the sphincter muscles, not moving correctly. I had a procedure done on the sphincter muscles, and they responded to the procedure. I now concentrate on doing Yoga one time. A day going to physical therapy learning pelvic floor exercises which are imperative doing meditation and making sure I drink plenty of water and the right oils and fiber. Of course, protein too. You probably know what I'm saying. And I just wanted to add what i'm doing.I hope you get relief

Hi, @william1543,
Having bad diverticulosis, a tortuous colon and serious constipation sounds rough. I personally found out I have a tortuous colon from my first ever colonoscopy. I thought from the note in my online chart that somehow my colon was "tortuous" for the doctor to complete my colonoscopy - I'd never been told anything about this before, nor was any implication of this mentioned after my colonoscopy till I asked about it specifically.

Glad you connected with @marilynmiller. I think that @jlharsh @julbpat @louise1942 @frattmaa @korgman123 and others who have mentioned constipation around Mayo Clinic Connect will have some thoughts for you on how to defecate when it's difficult.

Thanks for the tag, @lisalucier. Hello, @william1543

William 1543, I want to comment here but realize I had also responded to a comment you made in another discussion, Constipation and Sacral Nerve Stimulation? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1508233/

@marilynmiller’s suggestions addressing pelvic floor function is consistent with where my doctors started with me. To be perfectly honest, it made no sense at the time but I pursued testing that confirmed pelvic floor dysfunction that led to pelvic floor physical therapy, exercises and yoga. This nowhere fixed my constipation but I was told starting here was the only way anything I would eventually try would be effective. There has been no quick fix for my struggles. Rather, improvement has been slow and steady by implementing one thing at a time (and keeping hold of that thing as I add something else).

At the same time as addressing pelvic floor function I also worked on being active and honing in on a diet that was consistent, full of vegetables, fruit, a lot of whole grains and EVOO. The whole grains provide some bulk and the EVOO has laxative effects so they would be my suggestion as to how to initially start to relieve constipation a bit. I now am a complete proponent of lifestyle as the foundation to help medications or anything else we try actually help me the most.

Are there things you have tried that particularly have helped or caused more challenges for you? Are you working with a doctor that can help you walk through things to try?

I am an 83 yr. old senior with a lot of health issues and very limited funds. These include: bad diverticulosis, tortuous/redundant colon, moderate hypothyroidism, circulatory leg issues, osteoarthritis, pelvic floor issues, etc. Other than my gastro doctor there are no other doctors in this area that deal with gastric or pelvic floor issues. I am not even eligible for the Linzess program 90 days for $30 (Linzess 290) since I am on Medicare and an old/poor former supplemental insurance program. I will have to have about two feet of bowel removed if my inability to defecate continues. This would be very risky done in a local hospital, at my age and condition.

@william1543
You are working through tough issues and it is understandable why you want to do what you can to avoid having two feet of bowel removed. It is frustrating to see drug options that may help but are not affordable.

I share several of your conditions and take many prescribed medications myself. As recent as last week I had a surprise when I went to pick up two of my prescriptions. My insurance has not changed but these particular, common drugs were not covered. I share your frustration.

You mention having Medicare coverage and supplemental program. I am tagging @lvnl who has mentioned Medicare’s Extra Help Program that may be an option for you.

Has your GI doctor mentioned other options since you are not able to pay the high price for Linzess? Do you have family/friend that could go with you to your next appointment for an extra set of processing ears?

@william1543 Oh my goodness, yes I hope you can get the help you need. Here is the Medicare Extra Help information. They do not have an asset cap, meaning eligibility is not based on how much $$ you have in savings or other assets. Many people are eligible for this without knowing about it. I hope it is helpful information for you:
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help

You can get your Linzess for free. Reach out to ABBVIE.COM Google it. You fill out a form. Just try! I did and I get it for free. My GI Dr had to fill out some of the form after I did and they fax it to them. Takes a while to get started but hang in there. They also have a phone number you can call call to help you.

Thank you, I will check into this if I need surgery, but I hesitate to have
this risky surgery done in a local hospital without the expertise of
performing extensive bowel surgery. A senior friend of mine had bowel
surgery about six weeks ago at a small local hospital and is now in a
nursing home with a feces collection bag until the intestine can hopefully
be reconnected at some future date. I am located about 75 miles from NYC
and the major hospitals that regularly do that type of surgery on a regular
basis. With no family, my options are limited. Hopefully, I will not need
the surgery, but the odds are not good, especially with limited finances
and the risks of traveling to NYC by mass transit. Please pray for me. God
Bless.

Olive oil a teaspoon a day

trying the olive oil!
chronic constipation ....due to narrow intestine caused by a screwed up tumor removal
specialist directs me to take daily Metamucil..........but BC Cancer Agency SAYS NO!......
who do i listen to ? ...........do not want another blockage!

Cancer Agency
Do not take any product that will increase stool size such as bulk forming agents
that contain psyllium (e.g. Metamucil)

Bowel medications
You may notice your bowel movements are smaller and occur less often. To prevent
constipation, you will need to take medications/laxatives to have regular bowel
movements that are easy to pass.
Consult with your doctor before taking any bowel medications or changing your
diet to deal with your symptoms.
You may need to adjust the type or amount of medication that works best for you.
Speak with your doctor or a pharmacist for help with your medications.